Afamelanotide
Also known as: Melanotan I, NDP-alpha-MSH, Afamelanotide acetate, Scenesse
Classification
Peptide
Regulatory Status
FDA-approved prescription product
Overview
Afamelanotide is a synthetic alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analog that agonizes melanocortin-1 receptors and increases melanin production, used as a controlled-release implant in EPP.
Evidence and limitations
Human/preclinical evidence breakdown is not available in this record.
Pathways
Benefits
FDA-approved as SCENESSE implant for adults with a history of phototoxic reactions from EPP; studied in randomized controlled trials for pain-free light exposure.
Interactions & cautions
Drug interactions
strong photosensitizing drugs — No specific dedicated interaction program is summarized here; additive phototoxicity risk from concurrent photosensitizers is a practical class concern. (review)
These are observational flags for review, not individualized instructions.
Sources
Educational reference only — not medical advice.